Crippling costs force family to close mushroom farm after 45 years

Australian family SjW Mushrooms, a mushroom farm operating for over four decades, has announced its closure, marking the end of an era. The Willemse family, who operated the business in Chevallum, Queensland, have been forced to cease operations due to crippling costs that have left them in financial hardship. Despite downsizing their business, selling their investment property, and downsizing their workforce, the family-owned business is now losing approximately $10,000 a week.

The escalating costs of production, coupled with price hikes caused by the Iran war, have made it increasingly difficult for the family to maintain their operations. Mushrooms, known for their nutritional benefits and low kilojoule content, have seen a decline in production and sales over the past few years, with Australian production dropping by 12% in 2024/25.

The family's decision to close has left a void in the local market, with wholesale fruit and vegetable supplier The Produce Partner expressing their devastation over the closure. AUSVEG spokesperson Andrew MacDonald highlighted the extremely challenging business conditions, with production costs surging and workforce shortages making it difficult for farmers to secure viable returns.

The importance of government support and consumer practicality in ensuring food security has been emphasized by MacDonald. Despite the closure of SjW Mushrooms, there is still hope for the future of mushroom farming. Martin Anfosso, who operates a small-scale mushroom business in Coolum, expressed his concern over the increasing number of mushroom businesses closing on the Sunshine Coast.

As a small business, Anfosso and his partner are keenly aware of the difficulties faced by niche growers. Back at SjW Mushrooms, Joanne Willemse urged for support, emphasizing that farmers pay a lot of taxes and deserve the same consideration as any other business.